In June 2020, a dental school in Missouri had concerns regarding proper airflow in the building as it relates to COVID-19 prevention. The facility contacted the Missouri On-Site Safety and Health Consultation Program to conduct an air flow assessment. After the assessment, consultants provided appropriate guidance to improve workplace safety and health conditions.

Following the On-Site Consultation visit, the school brought in heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) specialists who modified the HVAC system to ensure improved air flow in the building. The school purchased its own air flow (smoke) monitor and utilized HVAC specialists to further test and make adjustments to the HVAC system.

Since reopening the clinic in July of 2020, there have been zero known COVID-19 transmissions within the building. Success was due to strict adherence to infection control guidelines and additional controls implemented following the Consultation visit.

The OSHA On-Site Consultation Program offers no-cost and confidential occupational safety and health services to small and medium-sized businesses in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and several U.S. territories, with priority given to high hazard worksites. Consultants from state agencies or universities work with employers to identify workplace hazards and how to fix them, provide advice for compliance with OSHA standards, train and educate workers, and assist in establishing and improving safety and health programs. On-Site Consultation services are separate from OSHA enforcement efforts and do not result in penalties or citations. To locate the OSHA On-Site Consultation program nearest you, call 800-321-OSHA (6742) or visit www.osha.gov/consultation.